blazer not starting (no dash lights)

[jms122967]

I had a similar problem with my dash lights and guages. I would start the vehicle and it would take up to 15 seconds for the lights and guages to come on. Then a t some point it began to run poorly. Took it in (under warranty) and the battery had a dead cell. New battery-no problem. 3 years later- same problem- but more time and would just die. Bought new battery again. Starts right up-guages work immediately and runs fine. Sounds too simple, but has been a problem 2ce for me.

[mike2004tct]

Originally Posted by my_blazer_sucks

Does that mean it's my ignition switch? .

Yes, it's your switch.


The wrench you need is an TORX E4 torx socket bit.
I got mine at Napa, it's a long skinny 1/4" drive unit that was specifically labeled for GM/Cadillac "Ignition module tool"

[mike2004tct]

Originally Posted by jms122967

I had a similar problem with my dash lights and guages. I would start the vehicle and it would take up to 15 seconds for the lights and guages to come on. Then a t some point it began to run poorly. Took it in (under warranty) and the battery had a dead cell. New battery-no problem. 3 years later- same problem- but more time and would just die. Bought new battery again. Starts right up-guages work immediately and runs fine. Sounds too simple, but has been a problem 2ce for me.

Then you have more than a battery problem. Once the truck starts, it runs off the alternator, not the battery.

If the battery was so weak that you didn't have dash lights, it certainly wouldn't provide enough power to crank the engine.

[my_blazer_sucks]

Update on the ignition switch replacement. I got the size E4 star socket from my girlfriend's uncle (he's a mechanic) and got the old one removed today. I installed the new one and it started right up. Everything is going good until I get everything back together. I walk to the back of my car to put my tools away and my brake lights are lit for some reason. Now, I can't find out what they are just staying lit. I have to disconnect the battery so it doesn't run down. When I press the brake, it blinks off and then comes back on and stays lit. Does anyone have any idea why this would be happening? I wouldn't even think the ignition switch would have anything to do with this, but I have no idea. Is it possible that I put the plug under the kick panel in upside down? I was worried about this whenever I was installing it because I wasn't sure which way it came out. I didn't know if it only went one way either. It seemed like it could go either way. Please help. I am so tired of working on my truck. Thanks for everyone's help on the ignition switch also.

Adam

[mike2004tct]

Originally Posted by my_blazer_sucks

Update on the ignition switch replacement. I got the size E4 star socket from my girlfriend's uncle (he's a mechanic) and got the old one removed today. I installed the new one and it started right up. Everything is going good until I get everything back together. I walk to the back of my car to put my tools away and my brake lights are lit for some reason. Now, I can't find out what they are just staying lit. I have to disconnect the battery so it doesn't run down. When I press the brake, it blinks off and then comes back on and stays lit. Does anyone have any idea why this would be happening? I wouldn't even think the ignition switch would have anything to do with this, but I have no idea. Is it possible that I put the plug under the kick panel in upside down? I was worried about this whenever I was installing it because I wasn't sure which way it came out. I didn't know if it only went one way either. It seemed like it could go either way. Please help. I am so tired of working on my truck. Thanks for everyone's help on the ignition switch also.

Adam

If the switch was in the wrong way, instead of starting, you'd be switching to Acc. instead. Just a guess, but as I recall, the box should only mount 1 way.

The brake lights are a different matter, not related to the switch.
But the brake switch is down in the area under the steering column.

The junction block that the switch harness connects to is made up of 3 connectors, the 2 outside connectors are single row units, while thecenter unit is double row pins (I think). I'd check those connections first.
The look at the top of the brake pedal and see if something happened to the switch itself.
Perhaps the plunger on the switch is off the pedal.


Good Luck.